Global TradFi & Macroeconomics

According to Nikkei Asia, major Japanese life insurance companies recorded unrealized losses on Japanese government bonds (JGBs) of 30.86 trillion yen (approximately 272.85 trillion Korean won) as of end-June, surging 60% year-over-year based on data from 13 of 14 surveyed insurers. These losses

U.S. stock index futures traded lower late Monday following renewed geopolitical tensions. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman if it impedes efforts to resolve the Iran conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations expiring without breakthrough on Monday.

According to U.S. Treasury Department data, foreign investors' holdings of U.S. Treasuries fell to $9.299 trillion in June from $9.371 trillion in May, a decline of approximately $72 billion, primarily driven by reduced purchases from Japan, the UK, and China. However, holdings remained up 2.3%

According to ChainCatcher, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) distributed its semi-monthly dividend on $STRC preferred shares at $0.50 per share today (August 18). The next semi-monthly dividend payment is scheduled for August 31. $STRC is a preferred stock offering through which Strategy, a major

The Bank of Korea's Monetary Policy Committee faces a crucial decision as its regular meeting approaches approximately one week from the 18th, with the central bank's economic forecast report emerging as a key factor increasing the likelihood of back-to-back interest rate hikes. Market

According to bond market analysts, South Korea's central bank is expected to announce significant upward revisions to growth and current account forecasts in its economic outlook report at the August Monetary Policy Committee meeting, scheduled for next week. Market participants believe the

According to BlockBeats, U.S. hedge funds and sovereign wealth funds significantly adjusted technology stock holdings in the second quarter ended June 30, according to 13F filings disclosed on August 18. SpaceX emerged as the top institutional pick, with all 9 disclosed investors increasing or

According to Morgan Stanley's August 16 report, AI data center power supply has emerged as the new competitive frontier, with gas turbine blade and rotor casting becoming a critical constraint. Only three global foundries can produce large-scale turbine hot-end components, with order backlogs

Taiwan Central Depository Corporation (TCSD) Chairman Lin Binghuih recently led a delegation including Fubon Securities and Sunwan Securities to the United States to visit major institutions including Citibank, NYSE, ICE, Nasdaq, and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). The delegation

South Korea's KOSPI stock index reversed early gains to trade lower by 11:31 AM on August 18, falling 28.58 points (0.41%) to 6,949.36 after opening 149.83 points (2.15%) higher at 7,127.77. The reversal occurred as individual investors net sold 690.8 billion won despite foreign investors net

Cerebras Systems' stock jumped 15.1% on Monday before dropping 2% in overnight trading, following a favorable analyst note on the company's deepening integration with OpenAI. Wedbush Securities cited Cerebras' proprietary Wafer-Scale Engine technology powering OpenAI's newly launched GPT-5.6 Sol

According to Wedbush Securities, Cerebras Systems' stock jumped 15.1% on Monday (August 18) after the analyst issued a favorable note on the company's deepening integration with OpenAI. Wedbush flagged the progression as a tailwind for the chipmaker, citing its Wafer-Scale Engine technology

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public comments on computing power futures contracts. Bloomberg reported on August 18 that the CFTC had sent a draft request for comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Once the review is completed, the CFTC will initiate a public comment period typically lasting 30 to 60 days. This regulatory process could affect the product launch timelines of CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). CFTC Request-f

The Nikkei 225 index fell over 2 percent during today's trading session on August 18.

According to Morgan Stanley's latest Greater China semiconductor report released today (August 18), DDR4 prices are forecast to rise approximately 50% in Q3 2026 and post double-digit gains in Q4, with price increases expected to extend through 2027 for certain product categories. The bank cited

According to Jin10, on August 18, two-week CNH HIBOR fell to 1.43030%, marking a fresh three-week low. Overnight HIBOR rose 6 basis points to 1.43303%, hitting a three-week high, while one-week HIBOR retreated to 1.42879% and one-year HIBOR edged down to 1.70000%.

According to CNBC host Jim Cramer on August 17, memory chip stocks have surged significantly this year. SanDisk (SNDK) has jumped 653%, Seagate Technology (STX) rose 261%, Micron Technology (MU) climbed 254%, and Western Digital (WDC) gained 211% year-to-date. Cramer noted that major chipmakers

The Bank of Korea's monetary policy decisions may face a new critical variable as the Korean won has appreciated sharply since July, according to Barclays analysis. The won's strength could lower import prices and financial stability risks while weakening the central bank's gross domestic income

According to Odaily, Zhipu (02513.HK) dropped nearly 17% on August 18, touching a low of 1000 Hong Kong dollars. Trading volume exceeded 6.6 billion Hong Kong dollars.

The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield rose to 5.28% on Aug. 17 and broke above 5.3% on Aug. 18. Nohshad Shah, head of EMEA fixed-income sales at Citadel Securities, stated in the latest client report that, against a backdrop of inflation remaining above target for an extended period, the Fed remains reluctant to tighten monetary policy further. This has kept long-term U.S. Treasury yields near their highest level in nearly 20 years and put pressure on broader markets. Four Core Warnings in the Citadel